The Rise of Traditional Leaders from Political Backgrounds
Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, witnessed a significant event on Friday, September 26, 2025, as Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was crowned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan. This moment marked a new chapter in the city’s rich cultural and political history. Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, joins a lineage of leaders who have transitioned from political roles to traditional positions.
A Journey of Leadership
Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was born on September 24, 1944, in the Gambari area of Ibadan. He received his early education at Ibadan Boys’ High School from 1958 to 1963 and later attended Olivet Baptist High School from 1964 to 1965. His academic pursuits continued at the University of Liège in Belgium, where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering between 1966 and 1972.
Ladoja’s political career began in 1993 when he was elected to the Nigerian Senate under the United Nigeria Congress during Nigeria’s short-lived Third Republic. By 2000, he had climbed the corporate ladder to become a director at the Standard Trust Bank Limited. His political journey took a significant turn when he was elected as the governor of Oyo State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in April 2003.
Despite facing challenges, including an impeachment in 2006, Ladoja fought his removal in court and eventually returned to office. His tenure was marked by both achievements and controversies, including a brief remand in prison in 2008 over alleged financial misconduct.
After his time in the PDP, Ladoja ran for the governorship seat under the Accord Party in 2011 and 2015 but lost both times. He later joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) before stepping back to focus on his chieftaincy duties. As the highest-ranking chief in the Otun line, Ladoja became the next in line to become Olubadan. Interestingly, on August 12, 2024, the late Olakulehin formally presented him with the ceremonial beaded crown—a gesture he once rejected during the Abiola Ajimobi administration.
Other Notable Figures
Mohammed Awwal Ibrahim, the Emir of Suleja, is another prominent figure who transitioned from politics to traditional leadership. Born on September 8, 1941, he served as the governor of Niger State from October 1979 to December 1983 during the Second Republic. His political career was marked by attempts to impeach him, but he was forced out of office after the coup that brought General Muhammadu Buhari to power. Subsequently, a military tribunal set up by the Buhari regime convicted him of abuse of power and corruption in 1984. In 1986, he was barred for life from holding public office or participating in partisan politics.
Awwal Ibrahim became the Emir of Suleja in 1993, a position that came with its own challenges. His accession resulted in rioting and destruction of property by opponents. He was deposed on May 10, 1994, by General Sani Abacha. However, after the return to democracy, the emir was restored to the throne on January 17, 2000.
Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, the Amayanabo of Twon-Brass in Bayelsa State, also has a notable political background. After Rivers State was created from part of the old Eastern Region, Diete-Spiff was the first military governor. During the General Yakubu Gowon military regime, he served from May 1967 to July 1975. He was in the 2005 confab and served in the Committee on Models and Structure of Government. He is considered an elder statesman.
Major-General Mohammed Jega, now an emir, had the opportunity to serve as governor of one state at two different times. He became the military governor of Gongola State (now split into Adamawa and Taraba states) from March, 1976, to July, 1978, under the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo. He had a second opportunity between January 1984 and August 1985 under the military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari.
After retiring from active military service in 1985, he engaged in public and traditional affairs, leading to his appointment as Emir Muhammad Ilyasu-Bashar of Gwandu (in Kebbi State) in June 2005, replacing Alhaji Mustapha Jokolo. His appointment was confirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria many years later.
A Legacy of Service
Brigadier-General Abu Ali, the Etsu Bassa Nge (Mopa III), is another figure whose life is defined by courage, service, and leadership. Born on September 6, 1947, in Takete, Kogi State, he nurtured the dream of becoming a soldier, a decision that initially met with resistance from his family. Undeterred, he enrolled at the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, where he laid the foundation of a military career that would eventually shape his destiny.
His mark on history became more pronounced in August 1990, when he was appointed to serve as Governor of Bauchi State during the military administration of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. His tenure, though short, was one of vision and tangible development. He commissioned the Bauchi Township Water Project, a lifeline for residents in the state capital, and laid the foundation for youth engagement and sporting excellence by forming the Wikki Tourists Football Club, which continues to be a force in Nigerian football.
Beyond projects, his governorship was tested by crisis. In 1991, when ethno-religious violence erupted in Tafawa Balewa and spread to other towns, Abu Ali was thrust into one of the most challenging moments of his career. With firm resolve, he imposed a curfew, banned public gatherings, and deployed security forces in a bid to restore calm. Though the conflict was tragic, his decisive measures helped prevent further escalation and earned him recognition as a leader who placed peace above all else.
In January 1992, Brigadier-General Abu Ali demonstrated rare humility and respect for democracy by peacefully handing over to an elected civilian government, a transition that underscored his belief in Nigeria’s democratic future.
After retiring from the military, Abu Ali returned to his roots, where he was installed as the Etsu Bassa Nge (Mopa III), a first-class traditional ruler and custodian of Bassa Nge heritage in Kogi State in the year 2000. In this role, he continues to embody dignity, wisdom, and cultural pride, guiding his people while commanding respect across Nigeria.
His life is also one of sacrifice. He is the father of the late Lt.-Col. Muhammad Abu Ali, the fearless Nigerian Army commander celebrated nationwide for his gallantry against Boko Haram insurgents. The younger Ali’s death in 2016 at Mallam Fatori, Borno State, was not only a personal tragedy but also a national loss, marking yet another chapter in the family’s deep legacy of service to Nigeria.
